WildStar headstart is almost here! You might know what your race and class are going to be, but what path will you choose? Paths are a way to customize your game experience to the type of playstyle you enjoy most. You make the path selection when creating your character, and it can’t be changed.
The four paths are explorer, scientist, settler, and soldier. Each will offer different path missions to complete as you quest. You can choose to ignore the path completely, but completing the missions to level your path will provide nice rewards. For example, each path has its own perks, which are new abilities unlocked at specific path levels.
The explorer enjoys “finding hidden paths, exploring secret caves, and climbing the tallest mountains.” The explorer’s missions involve finding out-of-the-way areas on the map, jumping to the highest peaks, and so on. I originally thought that I would love this path, since I love seeing every part of the world maps. I found it to be a little too twitch-based for my taste though. Perks for the explorer are Explorer’s Safe Fall (at path level 4), Air Brakes (at path level 5), and Translocate Beacon (at path level 10).
The scientist likes to study “exotic flora, dangerous fauna, and ancient technology” to find out more about the lore of Nexus. The scientist’s missions involve checking things out around the world with your Scanbot. If you are a lore junkie, this is the path for you. Path perks for the scientist are Holographic Distraction (at path level 4), Summon Group (at path level 5), and Create Portal – Capital City (at path level 10). Summon Group reminds of the “Have Group, Will Travel” guild perk from WoW that I missed so much during Mists.
The settler can be found “collecting resources to construct beneficial improvements for the community at large.” This path was the most obscure to me, when I started playing in the beta, but I soon found it to be the most fun for my playstyle. A settler’s missions involve picking up items around the world and then using them to create items like player buff stations, vendors, taxis, and more. The path perks for the settler are Settler’s Campfire (at path level 4), Summon: Mail Box (at path level 5), Summon: Vendbot (at path level 8), and Summon: Crafting Station (at path level 23).
The soldier “tackles combat-heavy missions, gaining access to special weaponry and objectives as they fight across Nexus.” A soldier’s missions involve fighting waves of mobs, killing an elite mob, or testing out special weapons. The path perks for a soldier are Back into the Fray (at path level 4), Bail Out! (at path level 5), and Combat Supply Drop (at path level 10).
Each path also comes with its own set of rewards along the way, such as titles, bags, housing items, etc. The path system seems like a great idea to encourage unique playstyles and also create a unique experience if you level an alt. I’m a bit concerned about the path perks and their use at endgame, but I’m sure that Carbine will address any major discrepancies. Paths are definitely going to add a fun layer of enjoyment to the leveling process.
I would suggest that you choose a path that matches your playstyle, instead of focusing on the perks that it provides. In the wise words of Morpheus, “There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”
Nexus Nuggets 